I live in Port Washington now, but my parents always forward Oyster Bay information to me, like the letter sent out by Mr. Siegelman in 1998 via the local papers. He asked us "kids" for some memories, thoughts, etc. Yes, I'm just getting around to this now.

I was in his '72/'73 class. As I look at my class photo, Mr. Siegelman is sporting a dark blue blazer over a grayish shirt and a very '70s tie. Black pants and black shoes, too. What's scary is that he would be in perfect style today, as he was then, especially with his black, square-framed glasses. I'm looking a bit like Peter Brady from the Brady Bunch. This photo brings back lots of good memories. Birmingham (May it Rest in Peace) was the biggest school I'd ever been to - actually, the only school I'd ever been to at that point.

Mrs. Hertzberg made me feel so welcome in kindergarten. Mrs. Clark was my music teacher, always telling me I had this great ear for music. Mr. Moller, director of our band, told me that I had a natural talent for playing my trumpet, but that it would be nice if I learned to play the notes as they were actually written! I remember Mr. Miller, the principal. He was a very tall man and reminded me of Clark Kent. This was a good thing, since I felt he was there to "protect the school." To this day I have no idea who or what I thought he was to protect us from, but I liked the idea of him being up those stairs in his office. That's where he'd change into his Superman outfit!

Mr. Brick (Brichkowski) was the gym teacher. His nickname fit his stature, and at first I was a scared little kid looking up at this huge man. He was great though.

On to Vernon ... We now had period structure. What a neat idea! Mr. Zilm told the greatest stories when teaching us. It really made us remember the facts. Miss Brandt was one of my favorite teachers. She was great! I enjoyed her teaching so much that I'd find any excuse I could to get involved in her class or other things she may have been doing. I learned a lot from her.

Mr. Stern taught music and chorus. I enjoyed his classes. He was the nicest guy, especially when I was recording a song at my father's studio some years later. Mr. Stern was able to get some of the kids to record a background track for me. That I've always appreciated and will never forget. Mrs. Kitt always came to school in a cool, red Mustang convertible. I wonder where that car is now?

High school was full of great times. Dr. Shields and Mr. Ferraro were at the helm. Mr. McManus' chemistry class was actually fun. He made learning chemistry enjoyable. Plus, he was on cable doing Extra Help. How cool was that! Mr. Fasolo, Spanish, became a friend back then. He was so down to earth. Sure wish I could remember my Spanish now!

I wasn't the most athletic, that's for sure. (In PBC I was known as the "strike-out king") I think Mr. Scamell realized this and went easy on me. Thanks Mr. Scamell! It was Mrs. Hendrickson who let me play field hockey when I felt like doing something different and not playing softball. That I'll never forget. I could never figure out why the guys had to play softball, and the girls got to play field hockey.

Mr. Cutty (English) used to refer to himself as an "old curmudgeon." That was the best. He taught us some interesting words, and to this day I'm not sure if he made them up to be funny or was serious. But I still remember them. Mr. Kosak (math) was the nicest guy and made class fun, too. As for Mr. Reed, he was the best, I must admit. He taught Pre-Calc, and our class was six strong. Okay, maybe eight strong. He had the best sense of humor. I really enjoyed his teaching style.

Ms. Lavas (Mrs. Bloom) was another of my favorites. To this day we stay in contact via holiday cards. She's a great friend. Ms. Lavas always had the coolest car. What was it? I think a Triumph? Hmmmm.

Now I'm looking forward to my 20th Oyster Bay High School reunion. It's memories like this that really made Oyster Bay a great place in which to grow up and learn.

Tommy Fabbricante